The perfect cue for my future?

[zooka]

Hi guys, sorry for the long intro - skip to the end for the Q if you prefer.

its been great reading the forum over the past few days.
I think I've picked up a lot and done some good research now.

I've been watching snooker since i was a young boy.
I'm currently studying medicine, and at Uni we have 4 beautiful tables.
So, 2 months ago i decided it was time for me to turn to playing.
I'm committed to the sport and believe it is something I'll enjoy doing to wind-down from hospital work for years to come.

Although new, I am confident at cue-sports and am potting balls.
The Uni cues are S++++E though - disgustingly sticky!

So, I wanna buy my own cue - to last me a lifetime!
My budget is flexible (though I feel buying top end JP cues for 500GBP is excessive)

I see that this forum seems to be partial towards T.White and Mike. W.
I'm sure that's fair enough.

My question is, what specs would you go for if you want a completely 'middle-way', 'neutral', 'average man' cue. I want to mould me around it!

What would you go for in terms of:
Weight (18oz?), length (58?), tip (9.5mm?), balance point?, I'm thinking 1/2 jointed for eaze of transport (is that a good idea?)
Regarding splicing, I don't want to be flash (coz I'm not good-enough yet), so what is an understated but beatiful to the keen observer option?
How much would something like this cost if bought from, say TW?

Thanks, and I hope to have something to offer to the forum in years to come!!

[mattyuk]

the average cue is about 58'', 18oz, 9.5mm.

dunno about balance point.

[mchpddl1]

Hi,

When you begin to be serious about snooker and cues, your first cue will definitely not going to be your last cue.

In adition to the dimensions; balance affects the overall feel of teh weight of the cue.

I notice some cues such as Parris designed at around 16inches from butt, some other brands designed at 18 inches from butt, and the inches feel heavier becos of the more forward balance. Though both cues are same weight. I guess experts such as Keith/Trevor/Mike can elaborate more?

So i think you can compare balance point for various cues before buying...this point will give you feel of the cue when playing, choose one you feel best.

[Watford]

I would say 17" - 18" for balance!
Maple cues with plain black ebony look great but not flash!
I think your first cue could be you last if it is good enough!

[LWB]

I've seen your cue Watford, it might be considered flash , the best looking cue I've ever seen though.

So nothing wrong with going with some nice wood, but a bit expensive.

[ADR147]

Hi guys, sorry for the long intro - skip to the end for the Q if you prefer.

its been great reading the forum over the past few days.
I think I've picked up a lot and done some good research now.

I've been watching snooker since i was a young boy.
I'm currently studying medicine, and at Uni we have 4 beautiful tables.
So, 2 months ago i decided it was time for me to turn to playing.
I'm committed to the sport and believe it is something I'll enjoy doing to wind-down from hospital work for years to come.

Although new, I am confident at cue-sports and am potting balls.
The Uni cues are S++++E though - disgustingly sticky!

So, I wanna buy my own cue - to last me a lifetime!
My budget is flexible (though I feel buying top end JP cues for 500GBP is excessive)

I see that this forum seems to be partial towards T.White and Mike. W.
I'm sure that's fair enough.

My question is, what specs would you go for if you want a completely 'middle-way', 'neutral', 'average man' cue. I want to mould me around it!

What would you go for in terms of:
Weight (18oz?), length (58?), tip (9.5mm?), balance point?, I'm thinking 1/2 jointed for eaze of transport (is that a good idea?)
Regarding splicing, I don't want to be flash (coz I'm not good-enough yet), so what is an understated but beatiful to the keen observer option?
How much would something like this cost if bought from, say TW?

Thanks, and I hope to have something to offer to the forum in years to come!!

sensible spec but go for 3/4 not centre split. it would be £250 plus delivery from trevor.

[Wity]

Will you be after a cue for both snooker and uk pool? If so I'd look fo a tip of 9mm. it's slightly below average for snooker and slightly above for pool but imo ideal for both.

[Burwat Champ]

I agree with ADR go for a 3/4 stay away from centre joint if possible.

Specs you quoted are pretty standard I would go with trevor for outstanding quality and a fair price, he's also a really nice guy to deal with.

Good luck with what ever you decide to go for.

[zooka]

Thanks guys,
why the heavy lean towards 3/4 joint vs 1/2?

Do you think it's worth me hitting a target of say 40 break on lineup before getting a new cue (and ditching he horrible uni ones) or should i just get on with it so I can grow into a new one?

I'm happy to have Trevs make it for me, as long as he's happy to try and create the 'neutral' cue I'm looking for.
One thing he can be sure of, I won't be fussy! I imagine it'll be a fair while down the line before I realise what an amazing cue i've had the fortune of playing with... That'll be nice!

[Wity]

Thanks guys,
why the heavy lean towards 3/4 joint vs 1/2?

Resale value really as a well made cue be it a one piece 3/4 or 1/2 can all be made to get the balance point in the right place but 1/2 cues are not so popular nowadays. If anything the trend is to go for a one piece they seem to be much more popular of late and there's no chance of the joint getting buggered up.

Do you think it's worth me hitting a target of say 40 break on lineup before getting a new cue (and ditching he horrible uni ones) or should i just get on with it so I can grow into a new one?

Get on with it. You've said you are not bothered about looks you want a players cue to grow old with so the sooner you get used to it the better.

I'm happy to have Trevs make it for me, as long as he's happy to try and create the 'neutral' cue I'm looking for.
One thing he can be sure of, I won't be fussy! I imagine it'll be a fair while down the line before I realise what an amazing cue i've had the fortune of playing with... That'll be nice!

The way I'd look at it is if you get a cue you happy with irrespective of who made it then that's all that matters but if you get a cue from a renowned cue maker your pretty much certain that it's as good as can be so you should not ever ever blame the cue for your own mistake wheras if it's made by Charlie Woo foo you'll always have a suspicion and never be content.

[ADR147]

where do you live / go to uni. ?

[zooka]

london.........

[ADR147]

ah - you local guys are expensive.

[Watford]

I've seen your cue Watford, it might be considered flash , the best looking cue I've ever seen though.

So nothing wrong with going with some nice wood, but a bit expensive.

LWB your too kind!

Anyway what's all this talk of cutting cues up, it's all wrong!
One piece is the future!

[mattyuk]

yes ive my one piece foor a few days, cant belive i didnt start off with a one, i guess people prefer the jointed cues for travelling conveniance.